“Maea, I think it’s time we planned your official debut.”
It appeared she was ignoring the fact that I had overheard their conversation, or mayhap she thought it of little import. I supposed I posed little threat to them, being under their control. Thank the Goddess she did not know I had caught on.
A servant materialized and served me a platter of fruit and warm bread with honey. “My debut?”
After everything that had happened, I had nearly forgotten my role in Damara’s plans.
An enigmatic smile tugged at her lips. “My dear, may I ask, how much do you know of your house heritage?”
Perplexed by her oddly timed question, I answered, “I know they were renowned diviners and advisors to the king; then nearly a century ago they were disbanded as traitors.”
“So, you still don’t remember much,” she said.
My brain felt strung tight, as if it pressed against the back of my eyes. It had felt that way ever since Adair’s reading.
She stood to cross the room and rescued a very old-looking tome from a table by the door. “I’ve been doing research on your family line. I discovered that the last head of your family died without naming a successor.”
I nodded for her to continue. Though I was curious about Johai’s obstinacy, I was more interested in my own family history.
“According to family records, she had two daughters. The older of the two should have been the natural successor. Traditionally, the new matriarch was the former’s eldest daughter. However, when the last matriarch died, the younger took control of the family. The records become a bit muddled after that, but I believe it was not a peaceful takeover. From what I’ve read, it sounds as if the family divided, each side backing a different sister.”
“What does this mean for me?” I imagined the line of diviners in my dreams as they each toppled over and crumbled to dust. I shivered at the ominous thought.
“This is where it gets complicated for you. Outside of these official records, I’ve only been able to gather second-hand accounts and stories passed down verbally, but the legend goes that the younger sister had a lover, a sorcerer.”
The word rang through my head. Johai immediately came to mind. He had trained with a magiker. However, from what I understood, reaching the level of a sorcerer took years of dedication, and none had been seen in Danhad in years.
I searched Damara’s face. Are you giving me a clue? Could Adair be wrong? Was Damara trying to warn me about Johai?
How could Johai be a sorcerer? He was much too young, the training takes decades to perfect. A fresh wave of pain accompanied the thought, only reinforcing the notion; he must be a sorcerer. The question was: how? And was Damara giving me a clue, could she be on my side, or was this, too, a trick? I could not be sure, and the pain only redoubled, making it hard to breathe. I gasped as a sharp pain blossomed at the base of my skull.
Damara paused. “Maea…?”
The pain in my head amplified and halted further thought. I pressed a hand to my temple and closed my eyes. Damara was being forthcoming. I did not want to waste this opportunity. “Go on,” I choked out.
Damara set the book on the side table with a soft thud. “You’re not well. I can see it in the pallor of your skin. I’ll call the Magiker.”
I grabbed her from across the table and stopped her from rising. “Please, I want to know more of my history.” I spoke as if I were a conduit for something else, as if someone were speaking through me. What is wrong with me? My hands trembled, and I hid them beneath the table.
Damara’s frown deepened, but she eased back into her seat. “Well, the younger daughter, when called on upon by the king, could not supply true visions. He gave her an ultimatum, and in the end, she failed. After that, House Diranel floundered without House Raleban’s patronage.
“A year after they lost their patronage, a coup was staged to overthrow the king. They found those involved who accused House Diranel of being the mastermind behind the plot. I believe they became desperate. Once they’d lost everything, they turned on the crown they once served in order to regain power.”
The parallels between Adair’s tale and Damara’s were haunting. I could recognize patterns but could not see how everything fit together and what it had to do with me. A thought, or perhaps a memory, wriggled outside my perception. It held the answers I was sure, but I could not grasp it. “And what happened to them?”
“They were tried for treason, the house was disbanded, and they were executed.”
I let her words sink in. This is what she and Johai would have me face to meet their ends? Anger burned in my gut like a growing fire. Not only at Damara and Johai, but at my ancestors who had stolen away my birthright with their poor decisions. I remained silent for some time, letting my anger cool. At length, I said, “And you think it wise to have me announce myself so flippantly?”
The comment stung, I could tell, but I felt a cruel satisfaction in it. Perhaps Damara would realize how much she asked of me. “As a diviner and last of your house, you have the right to lay claim to your old title. I spoke of it with you before; have you thought more on it?”
“Some,” I said.
Apparently not enough, this was a heavy mantle I could choose to take upon myself. I stared at my plate, left untouched, and let my thoughts fall into order.
I had dreamed of the other diviners toppling before me like dolls so many times. A part of me had hoped to restore my house’s former renown. To become a great diviner both revered and loved, these were childish ambitions born from ignorance of the cost.
Now that I was here, I was not sure I was willing to pay the price to acquire it. Those that did remember my house would remember that diviner’s taint as well as the lost glory. It was more than proving myself; I had to wash away the stains of my family’s past. However, if I could regain my family’s title, it could be the catalyst to free me from Johai’s and Damara’s grasp. “It wouldn’t be easy…”
“Most things worth having aren’t.”
“I don’t even know the first thing about reclaiming an old title.” The idea was catching fire within me, alit by the burning anger churning in my stomach. I knew I could do it with Adair’s help. As foolish as I thought myself to be, I could not discount the expression on his face after my horse had nearly thrown me. He had promised to protect me.
“That, my dear, you can leave up to me.” She smiled wickedly, which made me a little nervous, but I needed her to reach my goal.
“I’m in your hands, milady.”
Summer turned cooler, and the air began to hold the sweet smell of coming fall. The time seemed to fly, and my service to Sabine was a great balm during the troubled times. Whilst enjoying our daily walk through the gardens, Sabine suggested we take a longer route around the garden’s perimeter.
Our men trailed behind us, at ease but for Beau, who never seemed to ease in Sabine’s presence. Not for the first time, I thought about the charge in which he had tried to save Sabine and suspected something deeper than loyalty lay between the two of them. Sabine, however, did not notice or chose to ignore his feelings. I peered over my shoulder in Beau’s direction, and he scowled back. Perhaps it was for the best. I could not imagine Sabine with someone like Beau. Not far behind him, Earvin, my shadow as of late, also followed without expression. Sabine hooked her arm around mine as we walked and leaned in to whisper in my ear.
“Maea, there’s something I must say, and please hear me out.”
I touched her arm. “What is it? You can tell me.”
She glanced over her shoulder towards the men. “Can you give us a moment?”
Beau replied with a rigid bow, and Earvin a brief nod of his head. I smirked, wondering if she had read my thoughts about Beau. Perhaps I had been wrong about Sabine not noticing, or did she have feelings towards him in return?
“There’s things I’ve been hearing about the palace, things I think you should know about,” Sabine said.
So not abou
t her and Beau, my heart beat faster in my chest none-the-less. Could this be the revelation I hoped for, the key to my past?
“Tell me. You know there is none more circumspect than I.”
Sabine laughed, and it sounded like a tinkling bell. “I know, but I fear if I tell, you will become cross with me.”
I practically wriggled with anticipation. Had we been anywhere other than the royal palace and she not a foreign princess, I might have shook the words out of her. I bit my lip instead and tried to be patient.
“I promise I will not.” I crossed my fingers over my chest.
Sabine glanced around, as if expecting someone to interrupt our conversation. Only the sound of the waves crashing at the cliff’s base answered the silence. She drew me closer, and we stood at the cliff’s edge. She stared into the distance, and I looked in the same direction. The scent of the sea wafted over us; gray morning sky stretched on forever in the distance. I followed the line of the sea where it met the sky and into the bay, not far from where we stood.
The royal navy harbored there, and a dozen or more ships bobbed along the ocean. Their bare masts swayed with the ocean’s movements. Among them, I saw a different vessel. It was sleeker and wider at the base. Its mast a dragon with open maw seemed to snarl at seamen walking past. The sails were unfurled, and an unfamiliar emblem, a flame cupped in two hands, waved from the mizenmast.
“That’s a Jerauchian ship,” Sabine said. “They’ve come to Danhad to arrange a marriage between the regent’s daughter and Adair. I wanted you to hear it from me before anyone else. I’m so sorry.”
My stomach twisted uncomfortably at the thought. I turned to Sabine and smiled. “Is that all?”
“I can see that you are fond of him. As your friend, and someone who has known Adair a very long time, I want you to know he can be very fickle.”
I forced a laugh, and Sabine frowned at me. “Adair is helping me regain my memories. There’s nothing else between us.”
“I just don’t want you to get hurt.” She glanced once more over her shoulder towards the guards. I followed her line of sight. Beau raised a brow in question at Sabine, and she smiled at him. For a moment, his mien relaxed, but when he saw me, he replaced it with his usual scowl. Sabine turned back to me. “You’re my first real friend here at court, and I don’t want Adair’s duties to the country to break your heart.”
I wanted to laugh and cry. There was nothing between Adair and me except playful teasing, right? I knew about his reputation. I had no interest in anything more from him, or so I liked to tell myself. Then why did I feel as if someone had pulled the rug from underneath me. I stared at the Jerauchian ship, loathing its presence.
“Maea.” Sabine touched my shoulder and drew my attention back to her.
“It is of no consequence if he marries the regent’s daughter. As long as I get my memories back, I’m satisfied.” I tried to sound confident, but my stomach was churning like the sea far below.
Sabine did not seem convinced, but she let it lie, and thus we continued our walk.
It came as no surprise that the palace hosted a banquet to welcome the Jerauchian envoy. I attended as Sabine’s lady-in-waiting. It was my first time attending her at an official function, and I was nervous. The court crier announced us.
Sabine entered first, followed by me and two of her other ladies-in-waiting, Vian and Odell, daughters of Lord Thelron.
Sabine took her seat at the front table, alongside the seats reserved for the royal family. Across the way, Damara caught my eye. She nodded her head in my direction, and that dangerous smile danced on her lips. What do you have planned? I wondered. Beside her, Johai watched the proceedings with his hands crossed over his chest. It surprised me to see him at an official royal function. I avoided his gaze though I could feel him watching me from across the room.
The royal family entered and saved me from Johai’s scrutiny as we bowed. Adair entered first, a golden torque at his throat to symbolize his status. He strode across the parquet floor, and I watched him pass. I do not care if he courts the regent’s daughter, I told myself though my stomach fluttered at the sight of him. He took his seat beside Sabine. Our eyes met, and he smiled. He leaned in to whisper to Sabine as he regarded me, she leaned in to listen, and her eyes flickered in my direction. Had I imagined it or were they talking about me? I blushed and looked away. The king and queen entered next. They swept past me with the same untouchable grandeur I had witnessed before. They took their place at the head table. The queen sat and scanned the crowd. I made sure to look at the tabletop to avoid meeting her assessing gaze.
“You may rise,” the king commanded.
We did so with muttered conversation and the rustle of gowns and cloaks.
“Lords and ladies, honored subjects, tonight we greet our allies the Jerauchian ambassador, Lord Malchor, and Great Lady Hana. I implore you all to treat them with the greatest respect as they visit our kingdom. Tonight, we feast in their honor.” The king held up a glass towards the end of the table where the ambassador and the lady sat. I had not noticed them until now.
His white hair, bound in a braid, accentuated his hairline receding at the temples. He had a familiar sharp-angled jaw and a cold expression. His lips turned up slightly at the corners as if he were attempting a smile. She had hair as pale as the sun and features equally as fair. Envy coiled around my heart like a serpent. I despised her. Everyone clapped until the king waved his hand for silence.
“Eat and enjoy our kingdom’s bounty.”
Hundreds of servants emerged from the shadows with trays overflowing with food. A servant placed a goblet in front of me and filled it to the brim with dark, rich wine. They served fine seafood delicacies, mussels steamed in their own shells, fish that flaked apart and melted in my mouth. I ate until I was groaning. I had missed the last celebration because of my vision, and I had no intention of letting this feast go to waste. After the final course, a light cake with drizzled frosting, a band emerged to play music, and we were free to mingle.
Sabine found me amongst the crowd, and the two of us made rounds amongst the room. I thought to question Sabine about what she and Adair had been whispering about, but the opportunity to do so did not present itself.
Adair drew my gaze more often than not. He spoke with Great Lady Hana and her chaperone. Not far from them, Damara and a group of three or four men chatted whilst she threw back her head in laughter. Among them, Duke Magdale caught my eye and nodded. I returned the gesture but was not sure why. Johai was nowhere in sight.
I wanted to draw closer to Adair and distract him from Lady Hana. Turning to Sabine, I said, “We haven’t met with my lady yet. Perhaps we should go and greet her?”
Sabine’s gaze flickered over in her direction, and she smiled at me, seemingly understanding my hardly veiled request. “You are right. Please excuse us, Lady Nanore,” Sabine said to the woman we had been speaking with.
“It was an honor to speak with you, Your Majesty.” She bowed, and we left to weave our way across the room.
Adair was in my sights, and I was nearly close enough to Damara to make the subtle move to interrupt his conversation when, as we approached, Jon appeared before us. He bowed as he said, “Your Majesty, Lady Maea, well met.”
We both bowed to him. “And you, Sir Jon,” Sabine returned.
He came up smirking. “Her Majesty has not graced me with her presence in quite some time.”
“There have been matters I had to see to.”
“Then perhaps we can play another game soon?”
“Perhaps.”
I suppressed the urge to shift from foot to foot as they bantered. I needed to get closer.
Lady Hana laughed, her hand covering her mouth, and her free hand brushed against Adair’s sleeve. I wanted to bat that hand away. I needed Adair’s help, and I could not have him distracted by flirting, or so I told myself. A man walked past and disrupted my view. He wore a sword on his hip, and I noted the boots and garb of a
guard.
He sidled up next to Damara and whispered in her ear. He turned his profile, and I recognized him. It was Queen Idella’s guard, the same one I had met in the garden my first day in Keisan. Damara frowned and then, turning to her companions, presumably excused herself. The pair of them slipped through the crowd, but I could see through the crowd as they escaped out a side door.
I glanced toward the head table. The queen was missing. My mind raced with a hundred thoughts. Damara and Johai had been discussing the ambassador. I scanned the crowd for him, and he, too, was absent. What if this was my only chance to uncover their plot? I glanced back towards Adair. He leaned in towards Lady Hana and whispered in her ear. She watched him from the corner of her eye.
If I did not follow Damara now, I might never get another opportunity. I made up my mind. Sabine was still chatting with Jon.
“I am sorry, Sabine. I am feeling a bit off-color. I think I will step out and get some fresh air.”
Sabine frowned. “Should I join you?”
Jon at her shoulder raised a brow as if he did not believe my ruse.
“No, I will be only a moment. Enjoy.” I waved towards Jon and hurried away before she could protest further.
The door they had exited through was unguarded and unlocked. I thought it strange but did not dally to think about it. I headed down a corridor. Portraits lined the wall, and I felt their eyes on my back. Voices drifted back to me, soft and whispered. I prayed a silent prayer that I was not too late or wrong and there was nothing to find out. I disregarded the notion. I could not give up, not yet.
The corridor turned, and I followed it around the corner. I watched the guard slip behind a wooden door just before it slammed shut. I skidded just outside it. My heart hammered in my chest as I paused to catch my breath. I tried the knob; it was locked.
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